FUMC Research Task Force Site Visit Report Arlington Unitarian Universalist, Arlington April 29, 2015

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Caitlin Waters
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1 FUMC Research Task Force Site Visit Report Arlington Unitarian Universalist, Arlington April 29, 2015 General Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church was built in They did a significant renovation in the early 1990s, and just finished another renovation 18 months ago, completed in November Our tour included a walk-through of the entire facility, except for the preschool which was in session. We saw both the 1990s and the 2013 renovations. General Observation (see design section for more details): Major factors in their decision to renovate most recently include: aging HVAC system, one corner of the building was sinking, lack of space, and need for a new activity space. The key feature of the most recent renovation are two large multi-purpose spaces, one directly above the other, with their own entrances, updated lighting and audio capability, storage, and small kitchenettes. The 1990s renovation included a new office space configuration, a board room and other meeting rooms, an open foyer. In general, one special observation about Arlington Unitarian s space is the numerous separate entranceways that exist for specific purposes (i.e., the preschool area, the sanctuary, the new gathering spaces), as well as lots of natural light in many of their open spaces. Finally, Arlington Unitarian enjoys significant external and internal use of their spaces due to a keen focus on flexible and multi-sized meeting areas. Questions Mission & Values How did your missions and values influence the need for physical renovation/expansion? Main driver of their renovation was the old HVAC system. They sought additional activity spaces both for their own use and for use by the community. What steps did you take to achieve congregational consensus about a renovation plan? Showing them the plans and drawings for the project. In what way(s) did you design your facility to further your missions and values? They now have more spaces to rent or make available to the outside community, building stronger connections with their neighbors. They also have more flexible space options for their own missions and ministries. 1

2 What past or current partnerships influenced your need to redevelop and design your facility? How are these partnerships faring today? How has your renovation/expansion furthered your missions and values and strengthened your partnerships? Examples of groups that rent or use renovated space include outside companies or nonprofit organizations for trainings/conferences; day camps such as dance, music, robotic; and music and other classes. Have you forged new partnerships due to your expansion/renovation and how have they furthered your missions and values? Yes. Design Please walk us through the major renovations made to your facility. What has changed to achieve your current and long term vision? New Upper Activity Room: This was a key driver for the renovation. This new addition replaced part of the building that was sinking. This large, open, naturally lit room serves multiple functions. It is used for concert series, art displays, meeting and other gathering space for outside groups, and an overflow/coffee area during worship hour. Special features include theatrical stage lighting with a control board, mechanized shades for the large windows, drop screens, new audio visual equipment, and ample storage for tables and chairs. New Lower Activity Room: This space has special padded flooring which makes it ideal for youth or other activities, and for dance classes and sports activities that are occasional held in the space. The space is designed with partitions to enhance flexible, multi usage. The space is rented to outside camps, such as robotics or lego camps. There is a fully modern sprinkler system to keep it to code, which is important given the many outside groups that use it. Parking Lot: The entire lot was paved; prior to the recent renovation, it was gravel. Staff Offices: One new office was added in the office wing. Fellowship Hall: This area was not renovated much in 2013 other than to repaint, add LED lights, and install an audio feed from the sanctuary. Warming Kitchen: Lower activity room has a warming kitchen next to it. They installed convection ovens to avoid permitting requirements. 2

3 Sanctuary: Minor additions in the 2013 renovation, including new audio visual equipment, LED lights, and a widened chancel area. Classrooms: No structural changes were made to classrooms in the 2013 renovation. How did you preserve historic or traditional space while also integrating new, modern spaces that help with special services, meetings, & events? The 2013 renovation did not affect the remaining lay out of the building the new spaces were added on at the east end of the facility. Did you implement or replace outdated systems with modern mechanical or electrical systems? New high efficiency HVAC systems and boilers with plastic piping. Also did extensive electrical rewiring. What AV and communications technology have you implemented in your space? New gathering spaces have LED lights, motion sensor lights, sound equipment and control boards, retractable screens, and spotlights. The sanctuary also had new LED lights and audio equipment installed. What special features were included in your design to accommodate community and outside groups? Numerous, including multi-purpose rooms, audio visual equipment, storage, off-side kitchens, etc. Was parking a consideration for your redevelopment? Parking lot was paved for first time during the project. What architectural design firms did you interview for your renovation? Who did you select and why? Used Intek as architect. They were hired one year prior to the renovation. What special considerations did you give for accessibility to and within your space beyond what code dictates?. Financing How did you finance your renovation/expansion? The 2013 renovation cost about $4million. They used a combination of a capital campaign, bonding, and legacy gifting. Did you conduct a capital fundraising feasibility study? If so, please explain. Hired an outside fundraising consultant that specialized in nonprofit entities; thought it was expensive, but it was effective. Post-Construction What missions, values, and/or partnerships are now thriving with your congregation due to your renovation/expansion? Numerous outside groups use the space and provide significant rental income. The many useable spaces that are provided to outside group required staff just to 3

4 manage rental space logistics. The building facility manager has established a volunteer training force, via a train the trainer model, to help manage the spaces and provide services related to audio visual equipment, etc. during events. Volunteers must sign a commitment form to assist so many hours or so many events. Also of note, the original upstairs kitchen is county-certified and rented out to caterers and others to use as a preparation space. Did you develop a master building plan to both ensure upkeep of your facility and plan for future renovations? Yes. 4

5 SANCTUARY (mainly lighting and audio visual upgrades added 2013): SANCTUARY ORGAN: 5

6 ORIGINAL FELLOWSHIP HALL (new lighting and audio): PANORAMIC (sanctuary opens directly into original fellowship hall): 6

7 LED LIGHTING IN ORIGINAL FELLOWSHIP HALL: FOYER BETWEEN SANCTUARY AND UPPER SPACE (note glass partitions create sound proofing to allow events in sanctuary and new space at same time): 7

8 NEW GATHERING SPACE (upper level): PANORAMIC UPPER GATHERING SPACE: 8

9 LIGHTING IN NEW GATHERING SPACE (upper level): BATHROOM OFF UPPER GATHERING SPACE: 9

10 NEW GATHERING SPACE (lower level, note special flooring): CEILING IN LOWER GATHERING SPACE (lights, sound, sprinkers): 10

11 PANORAMIC LOWER GATHERING SPACE: WARMING KITCHEN (off lower gathering space): 11

12 FOYER (redone in 1990s): PANORAMIC FOYER: 12

13 BOARDROOM (added 1990s): RECEPTION AREA (redone in 1990s): 13

14 PARLOR (redone 1990s): NEW BOILERS: 14

15 ORIGINAL KITCHEN (off fellowship hall): 15

16 COPY ROOM: COAT CLOSET AREA (hint!): 16

17 YOUTH ROOM: 17

NUUC CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

NUUC CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MARCH 10, 2019 1. BUILDING PROPOSAL PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION DEE BURLISON BUDGET REVIEW BUILDING COMMITTEE REQUIREMENTS REVIEW BUILDING COMMITTEE WHAT OPTIONS WERE REVIEWED